RAY HOUGHTON, the Crystal Palace midfielder, yesterday appeared to be winning his struggle to prove his fitness for the Republic of Ireland's World Cup game in Macedonia on April 2nd.

After making another appearance in his club's reserve team, he is now in line to start next Sunday's game against Old ham Athletic.

"With the injury cleared up, it is now a question of match fitness and after speaking with him today, he believes that he is now well on the way to achieving that," Mick McCarthy said yesterday.

Before speaking with Houghton, McCarthy had been in contact with Steve Staunton and received assurances that the Aston Villa player will be available for selection for the game in Skopje. In addition to his claims for a place in the back three, Staunton provides an attractive option in midfield.

Paul McGrath's inclusion in central defence, is now regarded as ever more likely after his impressive return with Derby, County at the weekend. For all Gary Breen's emerging talent, the temptation to go with McGrath's maturity in Skopje, may be irresistible for McCarthy.

Jon Goodman, replaced after sustaining a head injury in Wimbledon's defeat at Blackburn last Saturday, is also likely to be included. Keith O'Neill and David Connolly are both still struggling with injuries and neither will be included in this morning's selection.

"Both lads are desperately anxious to make the trip with us but at this point, it is unlikely," said McCarthy. "Barring withdrawals, the squad we name tomorrow will be the one that travels to Skopje."

It means that Tony Cascarino will again shoulder the bulk of McCarthy's scoring hopes with David Kelly, Goodman and Alan Moore in contention for the job of complementing him if the manager decides to go with two players up front.